7 Dual Sport Beginner Mistakes YOU Need to Stop Making

[@DorkintheRoad]

Want to support the channel when you buy your dual sport or ADV gear and mods? Feel free to use the following affiliate links! Rocky Mountain ATV/MC: bit.ly/3tYzpXq Amazon: amzn.to/3aDkk4z Revzilla: bit.ly/3tvAsOg MotoCamp Nerd: motocampnerd.com/?ref=dork DitR Storefront on Amazon: www.amazon.com/shop/dorkintheroad Dork in the Road’s Riding Gear Picks on RMATV/MC: bit.ly/3jU31Av Dork in the Road’s Dual Sport Mods on RMATV/MC: bit.ly/3gdkK4x Dork in the Road’s Adventure Bike Mods on RMATV/MC: bit.ly/3ga2zg4

[@Zerzil1974]

I've accepted the risk of riding alone and go prepared for most things. I strongly dislike riding with others, having them race ahead, talk down to me, brag themselves up and pretend to know everything about everything (people just suck). I stop frequently to admire scenery and don't want to have to hear "Why are we stopping again!?"

[@DorkintheRoad]

I feel like you're just riding with the wrong people. Plenty of non-assholes out there, but it did take me some time to find them.

[@garykleinsteuber4529]

I can relate 100 percent to "I might want to go riding Saturday, but I won't know until Saturday". Which is why I ride alone.

[@mikem9953]

Exactly. Where are we going? How far? Where’s lunch? I have to be home to take my wife out. Can you prep my bike? I can’t leave to this time. 300 miles or nothing. I can’t stay overnight at a beautiful 1/2 million dollar cottage after 300 miles of off road getting there, my wife would be pissed! You stopped at a BAR! Omg, 2 beers, you’re going to crash for sure! This is the 3rd time you stopped for a smoke or to piss. How much further. Blah bla blah. I just can’t stand it. I’m not doing the Baja 1000, I want to jam with no plan. No worries, we’ll make it home when we get there, so throw your watch in the swamp!

[@flamachiiman]

I’m always riding by myself lol everyone backs out the day before

[@DorkintheRoad]

Sorry to hear that

[@reusegarage7390]

Same brother you in so cal? 🤢

[@flamachiiman]

Reuse Garage no I’m in N.C.

[@sebastian3465]

@@reusegarage7390 I’m in socal. What’s your insta?

[@reusegarage7390]

Sebastian @nikolivander hit me up msn my buddy’s got one to 🥳

[@AdonisMediaProductions]

$2000 for a used bike and some gear, now that's the easy part, finding someone to ride with....yeah we'll see about that.

[@Chautauquas717]

I hear ya... I would classify myself as mid-range aggressif rider... if I ride with careful riders its boring, if I ride with the crazies (I mean this in a good way) where they jump everything and are relentless at trying absolutely anything (ok these are the over the top crazies)... well thats not my cup either... so finding a similar riding buddy is challenging, so I'm a Lone Ranger...

[@bradh74]

There's probably a club near by that would take you in. Or maybe you could start one on you tube?

[@wallaroo1295]

Finding a Unicorn Girlfriend that also likes to dirtbike... they exist, but yeah.

[@bobbyrobbins9816]

Most dual sport riders aren’t allowed in the real motorcycle GANGS. Gang sounds better than clubs or groups.

[@ffejkk37]

@@Chautauquas717 yo I ride the same way. Gravel roads all day! Western NC

[@marcoluoma3770]

Thanks for another great video. As a lifelong rider looking to get back into singletrack riding after many years on pavement and fire roads, these videos are super valuable. Well, all but #7. One of the reasons I love riding is that I don't have to talk to people. One of my best riding buddies is a super-great guy for so many reasons, but he will not. shut. up. When the visor comes down and we start the bikes, I get a great conversation-free interlude. Thanks again.

[@dh-flies]

I've been riding pretty much non stop my entire life. 50 years with a bike underneath me. From motocross, dual sport, street, a couple of Harley's, and now (at 65) back to dual sport on a KTM 500 EXC-F. I just can't get it out of my system nor do I want to...These were excellent tips and great advice. 👍

[@improbablehandle]

"Nuts to butts" is now in my (pitifully limited) vocabulary, thanks to the Dorkside!

[@DorkintheRoad]

lol happy to help expand your vocabulary.

[@JohnTYoung]

Ya... if I waited for friends to ride, or only ever rode with someone else, I'd rarely ride. How about instead - "If you ride alone, be prepared." Tool kit and the knowledge to use it effectively. Cell phone and PLB or SPOT and the knowledge to use it. Medkit and the knowledge to use it. Leave someone you trust with your plan for the day and at what time they should start worrying when you don't come back. Start your exploring with short close to home trips and build the confidence and know-how slowly. Thanks for sharing your experiences.

[@katherinemcdowell45]

I agree. Riding within your limits is pretty key if solo riding. Going slow and steady aint such a bad thing- you can still tackle new trails if careful and see new things. Go harder only if you have a buddy. Be self aware that if off grid, you may need to get yourself out. Knowledge of self, bike and ability to problem solve is required.

[@alelectric2767]

Thanks for gear reassurance. Sometimes feel like a dork wearing all that gear. I tell people falling down at 45 is not like falling down at 25. There are consequences.

[@DorkintheRoad]

You gotta protect yourself for sure

[@ExploringCabinsandMines]

I'm 55 and my knees hurt !!

[@NinkeWestra]

@@alelectric2767 yeah, we don't bounce as well as we did back then

[@CommieHunter7]

Perfect reasoning re: bar risers. I absolutely think that the more aggressive position without risers is beneficial, but you nailed it. You're not going to get to the point where you feel that position is advantageous, but you ARE going to stand more often when you DO need it, with risers. That's a great example of cost/benefit or risk/reward analysis, and something we should all do in more ways, instead of slipping back into anecdote and cliche.

[@dmyers3266]

On #3 I had it explained to me like this, your feet know how to balance a lot more than your butt does.

[@DorkintheRoad]

Makes sense to me

[@martini7454]

This video is chocked full of QUALITY advice. . . And quotes. 😂😂

[@DorkintheRoad]

Thanks for watching!

[@rob7592]

Dork, like your channel. Some great adventures here. Got myself a DRZ400SM this spring after searching a long time. Dual sport bikes are not easy to find around the Black Hills. Got all the mods done and enjoying the ride. Converted it to an S model. Love this bike. Sadly, no body to ride with, but that is alright. Still having fun. Stay safe and be the Dork you are.

[@surge384]

Hey bud, thank you so much for making this video. I have rode street bikes over 30 years and just now bought my first dual sport. Thanks for your tips 👍

[@fortheloveofknobs]

Some great tips man! Love it! The tip I would give a new rider is to take an off-road riding class. You'll learn more in a one day class than a month of riding by yourself.

[@DorkintheRoad]

I'd love to do that myself sometime soon.

[@posterlion]

@@DorkintheRoad The motorcycle magazine "Cycle World" used to print great "how to" articles in the 70's: 1) How to do a jump, 2) How to corner off a berm, 3) How to wheelie over a fallen tree, 4) How to cross a creek, 5) How to power slide, 6) How to go up hill, 7) How to go down hill, 8) How to ride standing up, 9) Counter steering, 10) Trials riding techniques and many I am sure to have forgotten. I was 11 years old and immersed myself in that and other riding magazines with yearly subscriptions. I learned most everything I know about riding from reading those articles and then trying it in the field. There are probably some excellent books if you look for them.

[@foxtrotbravo1744]

8. Workout and build your core strength; it will make you more agile on the bike, standingsitting, and also help you when you need to pick up the bike. It's a fitness investment that pays back quickly. 9. Eat light before and during any longer ride.

[@ryunruly1227]

My personal favorite, the group of 1200 GS riders all going by standing up on a nice smooth fire road....love it! ATGATT

[@mike.thomas]

I have a GS Adventure and that always struck me as goofy. I sit until standing is needed, unless I’m just stretching or airing out. Why waste energy?

[@mewoosh]

Paused at 8:51 to LOL at "nuts-to-butts"... I'm a child! Can't help it.

[@bobbyrobbins9816]

If I can’t ride alone, then I will throw my bike in the trash, and quit riding. I hate people. People are why I like riding alone. If it becomes law to ride with others, then I quit.

[@mike.thomas]

I definitely gear up on all surfaces, but off-pavement I go even further. Pretty hardcore MX boots, hard armored “dirt shirts” with significant chest, shoulder, elbow, and back armor, full leg protection, etc. I’m a relative newb, and I sometimes feel like a stormtrooper/poser, but I remind myself that it’s even smarter to wear all this stuff *because* I’m a beginner. I’ll still wear it as I gain experience, but now it’s even more important because I’m somewhat more likely to do something stupid and come off the bike.

[@GavCritchley]

As someone new to this, all of these are great suggestions. Having the right gear though is definitely the best comment. At the start I was terrified of falling off, but having solid armour (its cheap, you don't have to go for an expensive MX set), made my early drops and falls painless and gave me much needed confidence.

[@DorkintheRoad]

It's nice to fall off and not get hurt and realize it's not a big deal if you're well equipped

[@GavCritchley]

@@DorkintheRoad I think the other thing which was golden for me was 'Look up'. Those first few lanes and trails I did I can remember looking at every rock and log in front of my wheel. Sure enough, managed to hit everyone. As soon as you look up and let the bike worry about the stuff underneath it, all that anxiety melted away. Gear up, stand up, look up would be my top 3.

[@superflycatchermtb]

@@GavCritchley "Gear up, stand up, look up"....brilliant.

[@johnboy2251]

My lawyer would like your lawyers information. My knee is pretty messed up and he thinks you're responsible. Why would you tell me to drop onto a rock? But seriously we should go riding sometime. Let's plan a small rally for spring or something.

[@NorthwoodsNomad]

Great tips ! I am the same as you ( as a non social characteristic) not that I am anti social but I do live in a rural area and my friends and family are just nowhere near me , so my riding is ALWAYS by myself , and I do limit myself to just local dirt roads and mild trails ( plenty of fire roads and ORV/ snowmobile trails and good scenery to explore ) the best thing I can do is carry a SPOT locator and send a text message to someone that will know I’m out .

[@grizinart9599]

50+ years riding. And I learned way more when my brother talked me into riding Trials. I had been riding both on and off road for 40 years. But when I got on a Trials bike and rode a few obstacles I was a complete uncoordinated dufus. However I quickly got some balance and learned new skills that greatly improved my riding.

[@davidc1961utube]

This is an excellent list! I would add one to the list, and that is some simple system for hydration. Where I live in BC riding is a summer activity, and I am an old fat guy that sweats just watching hard work. Once I get dehydrated and have that headache I need a cold shower and AC for hours in addition to electrolytes to feel right again. Being dehydrated makes me a worse, and therefore less safe, rider. I bet it is as bad as drinking. Less coordinated, poor risk assessment and decision making, etc. I am totally comfortable on pavement and gravel roads alone, but I much prefer to ride difficult terrain with others. And remember, your Barkbusters are wear items, like tires and brake pads! If I ever get two seasons out of a set I will have become an intermediate rider...

[@DorkintheRoad]

Totally agree. Can't underestimate the importance of hydration.

[@mike.thomas]

I always carry plenty of water, but all it took was one off-pavement ride that made it inconvenient to stop and get the water out of the tail bag, and I knew I needed a hydration pack, and to pull out the chin curtain from my helmet so I could easily drink in those conditions. Makes a huge difference!

[@kobiasnova2964]

I messed up my ankle on my last drop, totally agree on the boots part. I was wearing hiking lowcut shoes and my leg got stuck in a hole and ripped the front of my ankle open. Been 4 months and it still hurts and is never the same.

[@markillingworth1929]

Good advise mate. Sixty year old man in Australia and hard to find someone else to ride with. No cell signal ten minutes from town. Come to think of it I could drop on my home patch and no one would know. Still got to try though. Wear your gear boys!

[@kiyomiheinrich2147]

I must ride alone... Secret desert gold location!! I'm 60 ,in shape,and I'm sold on the drz 400! This should be fun...king fu to BIKE transition. If I SEE it I can do it.watching your vids help.thanks!!

[@DorkintheRoad]

Good luck out there!

[@cocoscabana]

Love it...but I'm a solo rider, as a female most guys don't want to ride with. But I'm learning to work on the bikes, and I will have the satellite phone, for the RTW tour. I LOVE the humidor and the bar, totally digging your garage, or who knows could be the living room lol

[@CoachSteve4u]

Great advice thanks. I need to find a group to ride with. My skills are rusty though so I've been practicing offroad at Nellis Dunes near Vegas. I own a DRZ400s and love it.

[@masjut1]

Lol the knee pad advice is so so true. You’re so correct on riding gear

[@gcprost]

Very good advice. Thanks.

[@givannimikel4586]

I've ridden alone and with friends. Definitely prefer with friends. I've almost been stranded by myself and that is NOT a good feeling. Actually met my current riding buddy by following him like a creep because he had the same bike and was going somewhere I hadn't been before. We're great riding buds now. Don't be afraid to try and make friends even if you're being a little weird haha

[@ericwilliams626]

Yeah the whole locating issue; if you do what all the herd do and put your cell on your bike, you get thrown off your bike and your leg is broken, guess what? You don't have your cell near you because you threw yourself yards away from your bike. If its in your pocket, its on your person while you made a dumb decision. At least the smart people can then find the dumb. You are the smartest guy on these channels. You are anti social for a reason, but you communicate like a professional. Not once did I hear you say "dude" to communicate and you know what the listener needs to hear instead of simply hearing yourself. You know what I mean? Yes, you do. ;-)

[@DorkintheRoad]

Thanks, man. That's a nice compliment. I keep my inReach in my pocket for this very reason. I do run the phone on the bars sometimes but just so it's easy to access for taking photos. I'm hardly ever riding where there is cell service anyway. Satcom is the way to go.

[@tomassoyweyvon4902]

Dude man.. Dork is not appropriate for you change it to Wizard on the Road...Great Advise....Thumbs up!

[@212driller]

I personally think it is a mistake to not know how to maintain your motorcycle. Doing oil changes, chain, and valve adjustments are typically easy and will make you grow closer to your bike. Not only that you will be safer and better off for it.

[@snupermoto723]

MAGIC.... 4:50 - disappearing cat

[@DorkintheRoad]

The magic of editing. More cat in the post-credits bloopers ;)

[@jakubmrva1827]

"... knee fist on a rock and come back and tell me how did that work out for you" :D aaaaaand Sub

[@capefear3297]

Solid advice. Tks.

[@MilVetGaming]

I didn't even notice that cat until my 2 year old daughter next to me started yelling "KITTY CAT!". HAHA It also means I was really paying attention to your words, lol.

[@brucexedwards]

I missed the mistakes we shouldn’t make because I kept moving around while watching this video so the Stormtrooper in the background can’t shoot at me.

[@kaldtonde]

These are good. Yelling at my boy to stand up all the time and then he complains about his butt hurting the next day! I would also say that riding alone isn't a mistake. I've only ever ridden alone because it's exhausting to think about talking to someone I don't know. On that note, if you ever come down to Utah and want to venture into the San Rafael Swell, I'd be more than happy to socialize this one time.

[@DorkintheRoad]

I ride by myself all the time, too. Not saying it's a mistake to ride alone necessarily, more it's a mistake to not also consider riding with others occasionally.

[@makesen]

I ride all the time alone primarily because I am a hermit and do not even know anyone else that has a dual sport bike. I have only been riding off road on a WR250R for 1.5 years, so my skill levels are beginner. I did ride out to Chicken Corners near Moab and did fine. Being in northern Utah, I would love to find other riders for safety sake, but am nervous about being too much a newbie, and oldie (64) to ride with others. Still, if I could find the right group, it would be fun. . . . .

[@colbyjoe2]

Riding alone reduces the chance of a breakdown by at least 50%.

[@davidc1961utube]

@@makesen I am 58, and also a beginner on a WR250R. I feel your pain, but if you push yourself to find others, it will be hugely worth your effort. Many people actually enjoy helping others, and you can always help a more advanced rider pick up their bike, or ride back for the truck, or go get help, or carry some gear, etc.

[@MarkDaleADV]

Yep, can't understand people who complain about standing, much less tiring than wearing your butt out! I make an exception for my son, for probably the same reasons as you, but he's the only dependant I want on my hands, most others will not take responsibility for themselves, nevermind any of the planning, navigation, preparedness etc. You need a damn good reason to take on a burden. Friendship may cut it? Regards

[@gregmcmurchie7691]

Thanks for the great tips, but what we really want to know is what you got it that humidor😁

[@DorkintheRoad]

Cigars, mostly 😄

[@gregmcmurchie7691]

@@DorkintheRoad Nice. Dual sports and cigars, good combo. Brands? Fuente, Padron. Hoyo? Other?

[@nothingman3542]

I was just thinking that 11 months later watching this! Viva Padron!

[@Mclovingarage]

Hey, why you got To call me out like that with this whole knee and elbow pad situation?! Good video! And you’re right on all of it. Thanks for the reminder! I’ll stop being dumb! 😬 The animal tails parading past you were cracking me up!

[@DorkintheRoad]

Dude, that was the least of it. I edited out several references to people who don't know right from left 😂

[@obieyordy1702]

Haven't even bought a bike yet... past the I wanna phase, but still in the dreaming about buying phase:( I think this was extremely valuable and I appreciate your time to make it!

[@Namedeeznuts]

Same boat!

[@20TIL6]

Great advice. I've been considering replacing my stock tires and this was good for confirmation.

[@mtnmotoadv]

One of my first "crashes" (maybe 15mph-ish) landed knee first before rolling out. Thankfully I had invested in some good riding pants with thick knee pads and I STILL got bruised up through the kneepad. I couldn't imagine how bad I would've messed up my knee if I didn't have any protection.

[@ajaxracing]

Years ago I tried catching a yellow light and went skidding into the intersection wearing shorts no gloves my hands were ok thick skin my left knee left about a 2 1/2" patch of skin on the asphalt

[@mtnmotoadv]

@@ajaxracing I've eaten shit enough times on pavement in my younger days riding bikes and skateboards to know Skin + Pavement = Human Cheesegrader. I couldn't imagine what a spill at 30-45mph + would do, besides maybe scuff up a couple bones

[@chiptaxfree]

I would love to see you dedicate an entire video to the sena headsets. And I know Cardo is just as good. I am part of a large riding group we all have the same headset. There are countless benefits to having them. Including being able to direct a slower Rider from the rear and let them lead the ride. Sometimes I get tired of leading all the time. And it's nice to put somebody else in front of me that has a headset. This could easily easily be a 20 or 30 minute video.

[@katherinemcdowell45]

See my above comment. Lexin is a good mid price range alternative.

[@thomaspenny8360]

Dang it. Now I gotta pony up for some proper gear. Thanks man

[@DorkintheRoad]

You can never have too much gear. At least that's what I tell my wife as I keep buying it.

[@jamesanderson562]

@@DorkintheRoad that is great 😂

[@mike.thomas]

I’m also in the introvert camp. On the other hand, I’d love to not ride alone, but I’m a retired 60yo newb and like to ride during the week. Rode with a friend once, and it was great and felt much safer, but he works and has a lot of stuff going on, so I ride alone most of the time, off-pavement.

[@gregoryeverett1369]

@@mike.thomas I’m a 62 yo newbie. Riding sort of a dual sport Scrambler 400X. Next bike will be legit dual sport. If you’re in CO let me know.

[@mike.thomas]

@@gregoryeverett1369 Congrats on getting into it! I lived in CO for about 20 years, but moved to KY a few years ago. CO is covered with great trails to ride, though (I never got to take advantage of them, since I wasn’t riding back then).

[@ign1te9]

I ride alone so I can get drunk on the trail and no one will judge me.

[@soilsmanadv6673]

Fortnine has a great video on stock tires for dual sports and how they are made and where they are made....Not all Dunlop's and Metzler's are created equal.

[@TheJumpn]

Showing up to a ride unprepared. No water to drink, no cash. Showing up late but need to repack their shit. Wrong bike for the ride.

[@DorkintheRoad]

Yeah that's frustrating as hell

[@ajaxracing]

Those dust boots on your bike will trap water and dirt get some seal savers dude I got the zip on version they work great and cheap insurance from doing seals

[@DorkintheRoad]

Good to know. Thank you.

[@jamesgeorge6551]

The first 100 miles I put on my new bike, I didn't leave a 10 mile radius of my house. All just exploring the woods, trails, and fields. Mostly below 4th gear. I ride it like a two wheeled tractor. And that's just fine with me.

[@mrclean6796]

Very good advice and informative video. Good job 'ya dork'... 😉

[@DorkintheRoad]

Thank you! 😃

[@TK-cl1jm]

Ugh, thought I was all set. Now I am looking for tires for my new KLX230! Suggestions anyone? DOT legal, but off-road oriented.

[@DorkintheRoad]

I love my kenda Trakmasters

[@zeuszoegutsy]

not riding your own ride - I'm always bringing up the rear in the group because I want to go at my own pace, look around and enjoy the ride - could care less about how quick the others went thru the sand sections or up a steep hill - and because I have nothing to prove, my fall-overs are a lot less frequent and severe does it mean that people are always waiting for me - yes but the delay is not even long enough to allow for more than the first few drags on a cigarette - has never been an issue with my riding mates

[@markperrella5546]

Sena communicator: at 1st i was like meh but now they are on all my helmets! we use them like crazy "rider down" " log in road" "branch" "slippery dirt" etc

[@wolfganghokenmaier]

The tires are probably more psychological than anything unless you get into real gnarly stuff. I have seen folks with street tires master challenging sections where others with TKC80s failed. But if it increases confidence by all means spend the money. I just would not call it a necessity to do right away.

[@ThomperBeThompin]

Great tips, thank you.

[@krisc4578]

Thank you for sharing your experiences and what you've learned along the way.

[@DorkintheRoad]

Thanks for watching!

[@bobwalsh3751]

0:40 is that a cat?

[@ButBigger42]

I just bought a chinese dual sport. I spent just about as much on gear as I did the bike. I had another 200cc dual sport a while back. Dropped it, slammed my head and shoulder into the ground pretty hard. Destroyed my helmet. Shoulder took a month to heal. So I won't even get on a bike now without being completely geared up. I did get affordable knee protectors to start, but plan to get the legit knee braces asap. I just blew a shit ton of money on the bike, gear, and christmas for the family all at once lol. Helmet, boots, armoured jacket, knee protection, and gloves.

[@MrLightning54]

Good video sir. Your cat looks like a cool bugger.

[@dantownsend4246]

I learned the hard way always to do a walk around the bike before you leave. Chain tension oil leaks and headlights and turn signals. Also look for backed out bolts and screws. Also don’t cheap out on gloves

[@fredsmith9945]

I took my brand new (to me) and first dual sport bike out for a ride today and within 10 minutes of leaving the pavement I had dumped the bike in the dirt...and banged my knee. It's like you know what you're talking about or something :p Subbed :)

[@taunielsen5044]

I have been riding offroad 30 some year's iv'e been riding alone 70%.never had a problem i could'n solve., for my selve. 👍🙂

[@CreekLifeTV]

My 250l Is 3 weeks old today....Thank you for motivating me to buy new tires. Offroad its like riding a RC car...throwin grass not mud.

[@tysleight]

You forgot time. Nothing beats hours twisting the throttle for safety. Also learning how to crash. My friend said that he has never crashed just done a bad job at parking.

[@hiltonmcconnell2563]

Make the deal to change tires when you are buying the bike, most good dealers will take the stock tires in on trade, I have even had where the made a even swap. Do it before you buy, put it as part of the deal. For 50/50 riding the Dunlop TrailMax Mission is a great one to start with have them on my KTM and my DR 650 they are great on the road and very good off road and last a long time. If you going to be riding 89 t0 90% off road then you might want a knobbier tire, I have been very happy with what the TrailMax Missions have gotten me through much more than I though they would.

[@katherinemcdowell45]

Motoz tractionators. Good price and top long lasting adventure tyre.

[@hiltonmcconnell2563]

@@katherinemcdowell45 very pricey hear in Canada, seen review and were saying 12,000 Km life of tire, on the Dunlop TrailMax Mission I have over 10,000 and only down 2 mm the original tread is 10 mm deep so still have 8 mm to go and cost a lot less hear in Canada. But do like the look of the Tractionators. should be better in deep mud, by the looks. But the Dunlop TrailMax Mission has never let me down on the KTM 389 Adventure or the DR650 At 72 years do not ride the heavy ADV bikes any more, so not sure how they would be on them but did see some one on Africa Twin and he was having very good luck and long life with them and put they way better than the stock tires it came with.

[@quikboarder93]

I’d also recommend starting on a mountain bike if possible. The heavy dual sport dampens the terrain a bit quite a bit and there’s a large margin of error mixed with a good bit of speed. This typically equates to falling less but more brutal wrecks when you do fall. A mountain bike (especially rigid or hard tail) will force you to get really good at weight distribution and balance techniques while simultaneously developing lower speed balance because naturally you’re going way slower than you would on a dual sport. It’s lighter, more sensitive to the terrain, and forces you to refine technique as well as respect the power of a motorcycle. It feels like I strategically hacked the dual sport learning curve by started on a mountain bike first

[@ajaxracing]

For me it started on a bmx as a kid to me the drz is just a big bmx

[@mike.thomas]

Yeah, I was never a great mountain biker, but I’m glad I did a decent amount of in when I was in CO many years ago. I feel like a lot of off-pavement riding on my DRZ comes somewhat naturally due to that. I’m still a beginner, and am not doing anything particularly difficult, but I know I’d be more intimidated without the MTB experience. Riding a dual sport is like full-time downhills!

[@capefear3297]

I'd suggest a minimum personal fitness standard , whatever the individual feels ok with. No high intensity workouts necessary. I walk, do a few situps and pushups in the morning .Improves balance, and makes it easier on the bones. Especially for older riders like myself. I'm 71.

[@jimw281]

The ACR ResQlink beacon requires no monthly subscription payment and makes use of ALL the satellite networks. It penetrates forest canopy and will find a satellite even if you’re in a narrow canyon. Hit that button and you WILL be rescued, even if you slip into shock and can’t function. Check the output rating and network access for the satellite messengers and you’ll be…….unimpressed (some are not worth the purchase price). I carry an InReach for two-way communication but if it’s life-or-death I rely on the ResQlink.

[@bradm179]

What to you think of the KTM 350 EXC-F as a first dual sport? Are they that much more demanding maintenance wise than, say, a KLX 300? I know there's a big price difference, but I like the idea of lighter weight, and a local dealer has a 2023 KTM discounted which is making it more tempting. Any thoughts?

[@kevinruppert7665]

Best video ever!! Pushed me to buy protective gear I'm lacking :-)

[@DorkintheRoad]

Always happy to provide an excuse to go gear shopping

[@jtandy]

As an introvert, I really struggle with rule no. 6, but I think you're really right. In Australia, we have so much wilderness to explore on our bikes but it would be so much safer in a group. Great set of advice Dork. Thanks for the video!

[@marcochavane3124]

If you have a satellite comm link it isn't so bad. Supposedly new iPhones will offer satellite messaging for emergencies. It's better to go with someone but that is still an option if you really don't want to deal with a riding partner.

[@aarons7975]

Bike fell, I went over with it, footstand hit my foot, broke my 5th metatarsal, nice spiral crack. WEAR F>>>N BOOTS that PROTECT YOU !!

[@davidgray2886]

One of my old buddies had trails all over. One you road down a RR track to access. He flipped and hit hard. so hard he couldn't move. laying on a RR track. Fortunately he could move enough to get to his cell phone. he was rescued before the train came by. Messed him up enough they had to get a helicopter to him. 20 years before I was riding with him when I endoed in a deep ass mudhole. Hit hard! Couldn't move. until i realized I was about to drown. Seperated shoulder, broke ribs...He came back and found me. What goes around comes around! I guess..........

[@Shawn_fast]

I guess I'm lucky. I have been racing endures and harescrables since I was 3. I'm 30 today. All of this stuff seems like a no Brainer to me... I have to remind myself that most do not have that experience

[@BakerWild]

You had me laughing through all of this. Lets be internet riding buddies

[@DorkintheRoad]

Thanks for watching!

[@B_WillGoPro]

looks like a solid bourbon collection behind you.

[@CaptainAstrum]

My first time dual-sport riding off-road was alone because I don't know anyone who rides any motorcycles, unfortunately. Basically, I got stuck in some super deep mud that was almost like quicksand and my chain fell off. I couldnt find anyone to help and after struggling for the better part of an hour, I was too tired to do much else. After a break and some food and water, I started walking the ~2 mile trail out and was lucky enough to find another rider who was able to help me get the bike out of the mud and up on a stump so I was able to fix the chain and get out of the ORV area. Riding alone can be very dangerous, and I got super lucky... I need to find some people in my area to ride with

[@reallifehardtruth4465]

I live in Alaska. Not many up here ride bike in the dirt. Lots of Harley types. They like to talk up how much their stuff costs. I like to go out to old gold mines. Overnighters. So far ive always been byself. Just me and the bears.

[@JL-FBGM]

I have zero friends, I am not interested in making any in the riding community, honestly. There's always politics, membership fees, gossip, drama -blah. I'd rather just ride and go where I want to go... I understand it is extremely unsafe but I'd rather chance it than be miserable going somewhere I got outvoted on.

[@sk84life80]

I really feel the antisocial part. More so, the older I get. I loved my 7 passenger AWD minivan when that's what I needed. Now I'm appreciating the solitude of the bike. Even removed the passenger pegs. I do have people to ride with.

[@Ozark221]

A video just for me??? I bought my very first dual sport, a WR250R, two weeks ago. Dork has been saying so for years and I finally gave in! I've been riding it 50 miles away to a real off-road area and have been just staggered by the amount of stuff you need to buy, learn, adjust, etc., to really do this properly. Dirt is not street - who knew? XD Boots (O'Neal) and armor were first. I text people each hour or two to say I'm alive. Emergency tube changing supplies are next. Been solidly thinking about better tires, SOS, communicator, and not riding alone. I can buy more stuff now that Dork gives his blessing!

[@DorkintheRoad]

Always happy to provide an excuse to buy more moto gear!

[@user-dr1bj1bq2e]

I brooke my knee 😬😭 throwing my self on that rock ! And i have no friends ...😐😶😒 thks for the tips may the force be with you! And i subed

[@bradmootz2196]

Gah everyone keeps trying to convince me to bookface. I might have to finally surrender. 😊 Good vid. Thanks.

[@GlockModel30]

You said get $10 knee pads and slide them into your boot and they will get scratched up. That is confusing. Please elaborate.

[@collectiveleak]

Although having the gear is important, buying cheap gear because you don't have the money is the wrong way you should go about it, because it usually isn't going to hold up like the more expensive stuff would and you end up spending more on replacements then just saving and getting good stuff first

[@tymobyrne4451]

I broke a few rules once, the wear a good boot rule, broke a fib and a tib, broke the make sure they know where to look rule, forgot cellphone. and Was riding alone. Made the local paper, great drag report at adv rider. Have a cool rigid frame wheelchair as a souvoner.

[@brettscott3703]

Everyone I know has quit riding. Dealer who used to help match up people to ride together has gone out of business. It has become very difficult to find riding buddies. I'm also to old and slow to go with the younger ones.

[@tennyis28]

I actually don't mind the stock tires, I find they are good in mud. Not a lot of sand around me so maybe that's why haha.

[@DorkintheRoad]

You're a lot better rider now than I was then.

[@tennyis28]

@@DorkintheRoad haha I don't know about that! I think it's just different terrain.

[@tivowillieb]

I walked outside for 2 hours and couldn't find a rock. We don't have rocks around South GA. There are some in North GA however. Regardless, it's never a waste to have good protective gear. I need some now and will order some soon. Take care Dork, liked and already subbed. Good content keep it up!

[@DorkintheRoad]

No rocks? Sounds heavenly.

[@Galaphobic_gaming]

Cat scarred the hell out of me 10/10

[@mikeandrews1899]

I ride alone a lot , because trying to coordinate with others is a severe pain in the ass . 👌 And when you do , you have to put up with their bullshit . Pleasurably .... I'm quite the introvert 👍

[@simonjones7674]

I hate riding with other people. If anyone bought all the expensive gadgets you were selling in the video they could ride alone without fear. Doesn’t someone being there ruin the excitement for you?

[@LeslieWorks]

I wear riding boots when I ride, have saved my legs so many times. Then I rode my buddies minibike and wore hiking boots. Snapped my lower leg in half at less than 20mph on a minibike. Riding boots would have prevented it